Hidden in the Rain

Summary: Nothing ever stays the same. You can avoid it all you want, but in the end, there was nothing you could have done to change it.

Night Sky

For a lot of people, it can be easy. It’s only a matter of
closing your eyes and desperately praying to whatever’s out there to save you
from yourself. It gets harder when you know the truth. It’s not that there’s no
one out there. It isn’t even that they’re ignoring you, which is often the
case. It’s more that they can’t help you, even if they wanted to. You’re on
your own and there’s nothing scarier than that.

Nestled in the grass, a girl stares at the sky. Teal hair
fanning behind her, body splayed out, she tries to count the stars. It’s a
meaningless task but it calms her, keeps her heart in her chest. Idly plucking
blades of grass, whispering “three thousand four hundred twenty two” she
doesn’t feel the cold.

Closing her eyes, she hopes he doesn’t notice her. Holding
her breath, she prays he doesn’t come her way. But he does. It’s unavoidable.
She can feel his presence coming closer, that aura of old authority already
looming over her.

Standing by her head, the sound of water echoes into the
air, flowing, rushing, a thunderous force. “You’re not native to these
parts…Why are you here?”

Opening her eyes, the girl wonders how much she can say before
he’s satisfied. Meeting his eyes, a murky sort of brown, she whispers, “I don’t
mean any harm. I’m just passing through. I’ll leave by morning.” But it’s not
enough. It’s never enough.

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

Sighing, the girl tries again. “I’m…I’m looking for
something.”

“And you’ll think you’ll find it where you’re going?”

“…I don’t know.” Probably not. But even so…

She can hear him thinking behind her. The stars are silent
but he isn’t. There’s water rushing, rushing, flowing at dangerous speeds. He’s
dangerous. He could devour her alive. “I’ve heard of you. I don’t know how long
you’ve been traveling…” How long had
she been traveling? “But it’s gone on
long enough. You need to go back to where you belong…You have a responsibility
that needs to be upheld.”

Staring at the sky, the girl slowly nods her head yes. She
can’t say no. Not to him. Her aura threatens to crumble under him. She has no
choice, it’s time to go back. Counting the three thousand four hundred twenty
third star, she laments that she couldn’t save herself after all.

Tangled in his furs, a boy stares blankly at the moon. Wind
blowing through the ventilation trap, he struggles to control his breathing.
Blue eyes wide with panic, there’s not enough air in his body.

It’s the same dream, over and over again, if it can even be
called that. It always starts with his grandfather, in a field with small
yellow flowers.

“You are special. You
have a gift only the true heirs of this tribe have…. This is something only you
can do.”

There are more words but the boy can’t remember them fully.
What he remembers, what he dreams is
Allrah, dead and unmoving, his mane stained with blood.

“This is what I want.
You are not allowed to refuse. You need to understand…there is no going back
from here.”

In his dreams, he remembers that look in their eyes, as if
he were their saving grace.

“You are the hope of
the people.”

It always ends with Arshad. It ends with the two of them at
the edge of the tall grasses, his wrist trapped by Arshad’s grip.

“Your future was determined
from the very beginning, chosen by the spirits. You never had a choice.”

Staring at the moon, the boy desperately tries to muffle all
of the emotions rising in his chest. He knows all the facts. He knows who he is meant to be. After all, he has
a responsibility to uphold.

Mourn8220House:
When first reading "Avarice," I thought it would be another fairytale but I was taken back the author's approach and choice of ending. There is little to be said for the story and overall plot besides the sudden twists and speculation, other than that I do not want to ruin a fantastic tale, you m...

daphneywilliams999:
This book is great it is full of Adventure and romance you never know what's coming next. wow Emily is in trouble Libera a half human half Goblin helps her escape from the seven while she is possessed by a baby angel she slowly falls in love with this gentleman and human creature exploring kids ...

Alani Foreigner:
I absolutely loved how you created this story. It isn't like the other cliché stories I've ever read. I had just started reading it yesterday and just had to finish it. The main characters are grotesquely awesome and I fell in love with them. If you're into fantasy and stuff I can guarantee that ...

Hali McGowan:
when will the third book be done? I am absolutely hooked. I red the first two books within less than a week. I'm itching for the third one. The plotline is absolutely wonderful. I've never been much for sci-fi ish books. but you've got me hooked on this series

Jessica Esa:
With a tantalising end to the first chapter, the authour has given us a treat and a welcome addition to the fantasy adventure genre. To limit it to just such would be an injustice however, as this novel clearly draws on elements of historical fiction, fairy tale and horror. Simply, there's someth...

maewilde25:
I am so in love with this story!!! captivated me till the very end, there wasn't a dull moment. Didn't particularly enjoy the lay out and some bits of info was missing along with how a 21 year old man amassed so much wealth that needed to be explained other than that and a few spelling errors, th...

Lauren Sanby:
This is an excellent story. Very gripping and keeps your attention throughout. Hoping the author is writing a sequel because I'd love to read more about Rhi and Andreas and find out what else Rhi is able to do with her powers.

makaylakay:
I love love this story! It's written incredibly and well thought-out plot! I love how it's a different twist in fantasy fiction, other then the usual vampire or werewolves. Love the romantics and drawn to the two characters so much already! This book will draw you in within the first chapter and ...

Hudson:
Your story was fantastic Erin! The Rising Sun was one of the first stories I read on Inkitt, and I have to say I don't regret the three to four days I spent pouring through the story.Probably the biggest strength I see in your writing is your characterisation of Eliana, Oriens, and the rest of th...

spooky jedi:
Love your story!I really hope more people read this story!Its amazing!! The plot is very unique and different, which is very good to have in a world full of stories. You have very complex and intellectual plot line, with your many loveable character and that hint of 'will they, won't they' is ju...

Stephen Warner:
To start off, I am thoroughly impressed. The writing style is somewhat unique, and the plot seemed to move at a nice and steady pace. However, I was not expecting this to be a vampire book! I am usually not one for novels about vampires, but I was pleasantly surprised! You wrote with such grace a...

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